Starting device for explosion-engines.



W. W. BOA &.K. SCHOENBAUBR. STARTING DEVICE FOR EXPLOSION ENGINES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 15, 1.911,

Patented Aug. 13, 1912.

' the features of our invention,

lparts are so constructed UNITED s'raras-armvr carica.'

WIT-:MUR W. BOA AND KARL SCHOENBAUER. OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

STARTING DEVICE FOR EXPLOSION-ENGINES.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 13, 1 912.

Application filed May 15, 1911. Serial No. 627,232.

yTo all whom 'it may concern:

' Be it known that. we, WILMUR WV. Boa and KARL Soiionxnmm, citizens of Canada, British America, and Germany, respectively, residing at Graiid Rapids, county of Kent,`State of Michigan, have invented certain newand useful Improvements in Starting Devices for Explosion-Engines, of which the following is a specification. n

This invention relates to improvements in starting devices for explosion engines.

The main objects of this inventionare, first, to provide an improved starting device or crankfor explosion engines in which the crank is quickly and positively disengaged in the event of back firing. Second, to provide an improved starting device or crank for explosion engines which is simple and effective in structure and one in which the crank is automaticallydisengaged in the event ofthe engine back firing. Third,to provide v an improved starting device or crank lfor explosion engines in which the and arranged that they are not likely to get out of repair or be come inoperative through use or the jar to which the device is subjectedwhen mounted on an automobile.

Further objects,and objects relating to structural details, will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

WVe accomplish the objects of our invention by the devices and means described in the following specification.'

The invention -s clearly defined and pointed outinthe claims.

A structure which is a preferred `embodiment of our invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part' of this invention, in which:

Figure I is a detail view,.partially in longitudinal section, of a structure embodying the crank and engine shaft clutch members being shown in their engaging position. Fig. II 1s a similar view, additional parts being shown in section with the crank and engine shaft clutch members disengaged. Fig. III is a transverse section taken on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. II. Fig. IV is a horizontal section taken in a line corresponding to line 4--4 of Fig. III through one of the pawls. Fig. V is an end view of the crank clutch member.v

In the drawing2 similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the end of the section lines.

Referring to the drawing, lrepresents the engine shaft and 2 is the shaft for the crank The casing l is adapted to be mounted on an automobile body and is provided with a bearing 5 for the engine shaft l. The casing cap is provided with a bearing 7 for the crank shaft On the inner end of the engine shaft is a jaw clutch member S, a coactlng jaw clutch t) being mounted on the Shaft 2. These clutch members are preferably provided with spiral jaw faces, as shown in the drawing. 4

A cylindrical release member 10 is arranged within the A clutch members 8 and 9. The bearing 5 for the shaft l projects into the casing and serves as a bearing for the release member. 'l'he release member is shouldered at 1l to engage the clutch member 8, and is held in position on its bearing thereby.

The crank clutch member t) is rovided with radially disposed release mem er jaws 1.2, the release member being provided at its outer end with coacting notch-like jaws 13.

yThe rear faces of the jaws 1Q and the coacting jaws 13 are inclined rearwardly, as shown in Fig. l so that when the release member is held against rotation and the crank is rotated rearwardly, the crank shaft is moved longitudinally to disengage the jaw members 8 and 9. The cap 6 llmitsthe outward movement of the crank. Projections 23 at the 4forward edges of the jaws 13 prevents the forward rotation of the crank without the rotation'of the release member and guides the jaws when the shaft jaws are being engaged.

The release member is driven with the crank' on its forward rotation, and its rear ward movement is prevented by the pawls 14, which coaet with the peripheral ratchet.

.l5 at the inner end of the release member.

The teeth of this ratchet are preferably square faced, while the rear sides of the pawls are beveled at 1G. The pawls are so disposed that theyengage alternately, one or the other of the pawls being in enga-gement at all times. This jnevents any rearward movement. of the release member that in the event of a kickback the release member immediately acts on the crank, shifting it to disengage the shaft4 clutch.

This is accomplished with a very slight rearwardmovement of the engine shaft so that lit is'quite impossible for the crank to injure of some advantage, it does not entirely eliminate the element of danger.

The pawls 14 are arranged in Aradial seats 17 provided therefor in the casings, the pawls being square or otherwise suitably shaped to prevent `their rotation. .The

pawls'are yieldingly supported by means of the springs 18, t-he springs being retained by the plug 19 andthe cap 20. The plugis provided for the upper pawl seat so as to leave a substantially flat surface for the attaching bracket 21.- A set screw 22 is provided for the crank when not in use, it being desirable for preventing accidental engagement of the crankand also to prevent its oscillation and consequent wear.

Our improved starting device or crank is very simpleand compact lin structure, and is, at the same time, a very strong and effective device, and one which is not likely to get out of repair. The clutches are disengaged so quickly on the back firing of the engine that the element of danger is eliminated. The device may be easily applied to various types of starting shafts now in use.` i

Having thus described our invention,

y' what we claim is new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: j

l. In a'starting device, the combination of the engine shaft; a crank shaft; coacting jaw clutch members for said shafts, the crank shaft clutch member being also provided With radially projecting release aws; a casing provided with a bearing for said engine shaft, the bearing projecting into said casing; an end cap for' said casing provided with a `bearing for said crank shaft, said crank shaft being longitudinally movable in its said bearing for the engagement and disengagement of the said shaft clutch said release jaws being inclined rearwardly,

said release member being mounted on said `inwardly projecting engine shaft bearing to embrace said shaft` clutch members; and

` a pair of pawls, and bearing seats therefor arranged in said casing radially ofsaid release member, said pawls being arranged'to engage alternately so that said release mem ber is continuously engaged by one or the other of said pawls.

2. In a start-ing device, the combination ofthe engine shaft; a crank shaft; coacting jaw clutch members for said shafts, the crank shaft clutch-member being also provided with radially projecting release jaws; a casing providedwith a bearing for said engine shaft, the bearing projecting intoI said casing; an end cap for said casing provided with a bearing for said crank shaft,

said crank shaft being longitudinally movable in its said bearing for the engagement and disengagement of the said shaft clutch members; a cylindrical release member having a ratchet at its inner end and notch-like jaws at' its outer end coacting with thesaid release jaws, the rear faces of said release jaws being inclined'rearwardly, said release member being mounted on said inwardly projecting engine shaft bearing to embrace said engine shaft clutch member and being adapted to receive said crank shaft clutchl member. and to coact with said crank shaft bearing in .supporting the crankshaft when the clutches are engaged, and a pawl for said 'release member ratchet mounted in said casing.

ln witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals in the presence of two witnesses. VILMUR WV. BOA. KARL SCHOENBAUER. Witnesses:

GEORGE H. HAMILTON, HUBERT V. WALSH.

[1.. s] L. s]

CopiesV of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, byv addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. i 

